ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is hosting a series of public listening sessions on proposed revisions to the state’s Nitrogen Fertilizer Management Plan.

The plan is a blueprint for prevention or minimization of the impacts of nitrogen fertilizer on groundwater in Minnesota. The strategies are based on voluntary best management practices, and are intended to engage local communities in protecting groundwater from nitrate contamination.

Agricultural fertilizers are among the top sources of nitrates contaminating groundwater as well as surface waters in Minnesota.

Listening sessions this week include Wadena on Tuesday and St. Cloud on Wednesday. Sessions are planned next week in Rochester on Monday and Roseville next Wednesday.

The department is taking public comments on the proposed revisions through Nov. 1